Is your motorcycle ready for safe spring riding?

March 06, 2018
By
Law Offices of James F. White, P.C.

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While winter may not be quite finished with Massachusetts yet, there have
already been a few days that make it clear spring is on the way! For those
who love to ride motorcycles, that means the main driving season is only
a few weeks away. You're probably already planning to get out and
hit the road when there's a sunny, warm weekend. Before you do that,
however, you should spend a little time preparing yourself and your bike
for the open road.

Spring is the perfect time to
perform annual maintenance on your bike. You bike hasn't had any care in months, other than what
you did before putting it into storage last fall. Hopefully, you added
fuel stabilizer and at least left your bike in a climate controlled, dry
space (like a garage).

First, check your fuel and oil

Sometimes, fuel goes bad while in a stored bike. Additives can reduce this
process, but there's always the potential for an issue. Your fuel
injectors or carburetor jets could end up clogged. You should add new
fuel. In some cases, you may need to add new fuel filters and clean those
injectors/jets before hitting the road.

Changing the oil is a great practice for fall when storing your bike. Even
if you changed the oil before storage, be sure to check your oil levels
and inspect the system for signs of moisture damage. If you didn't
change your oil in the fall, now is the time to change the oil and the
oil filter on your motorcycle.

Don't forget the battery or other critical systems

Your battery also needs a check-up. If it isn't a sealed battery, check
the water levels in the cells and top them up with distilled water. Clean
terminals and lightly grease the connection. If the battery remains sluggish
after slowly charging it, you may simply need to replace it.

Before finishing the inspection of your bike, check your tires for pressure
and look for cracks in the sidewalls or other signs of damage. It's
best to err on the side of caution when it comes to tires. You should
also check your bike's coolant levels, suspension system, brakes and
electrical systems for performance issues. Perform any necessary maintenance
or repairs to get your motorcycle into optimal running condition.

Check your safety gear and your insurance policy

Your safety gear may end up saving your life. Helmets can end up cracked. Boots may need
new soles or simply a replacement. Make sure you have everything you need
to stay safe on the road and invest in replacements if there's any
question about function or performance.

Finally, take time to review the insurance policy for your motorcycle.
Make sure that you carry adequate coverage for both property damage liability
and potential medical expenses related to an injury. All of these steps
will keep you safe and protected when you go out to enjoy the spring weather
on your motorcycle.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.